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Airbus Helicopters H225 vs Embraer Legacy 650 E vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer

The Airbus H225 is a large twin‑engine helicopter designed for offshore, utility, and search‑and‑rescue roles. It typically carries around 16–19 passengers in a transport configuration and offers a practical range on the order of roughly 450–500 nautical miles, depending on payload and reserves. The MD Helicopters (McDonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer is a lighter twin‑engine helicopter aimed at law enforcement, EMS, and corporate shuttle missions; it generally seats about 7–8 passengers and has a shorter range, commonly around 300–350 nautical miles. The Embraer Legacy 650E is a long‑range business jet built for intercity and intercontinental corporate travel rather than vertical‑lift missions. It usually accommodates 13 passengers (up to about 19 depending on configuration) and provides far greater range than either helicopter, roughly 3,900–4,000 nautical miles, enabling nonstop flights such as North America coast‑to‑coast or similar long sectors. Overall, the 650E leads on range and cruise efficiency, the H225 leads on heavy‑lift and offshore capability with more cabin volume than the 902, and the 902 emphasizes smaller, quieter rotorcraft operations and agility.

SpecAIRBUS H225
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 20.87
Min Crew2
Total Seats21
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerAirbus Helicopters
Aircraft NameH225
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)454
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.99
Max Cabin Seats28
OEM VerificationUn-Verified
Useful Load (lbs)11929
Standard Cabin Seats19
Direct Operating Cost$ 2,963
Flight Deck (Base Spec)EFIS
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)142
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$ 29,500,000
Cabin
Cockpit2
Min Crew2
Total Seats21
Max Cabin Seats28
Standard Cabin Seats19
Engine
FADECYes
ModelMakila 2A1
Fuel TypeJetFuel
TBO (hrs)3500
Horsepower2100
No. of Engines2
Fuel Capacity (gal)684
Dimensions
Length (ft)63.4
Overall Height (ft)16.3
Rotor Diameter (ft)53.2
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)547